HRC Blog

Utah Committee Passes LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill

Just hours ago, the Utah Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee passed a bill amending the Utah Antidiscrimination Act and the Utah Fair Housing Act to add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories. Specifically, the legislation would prohibit discrimination in employment and housing. It does not change the exemption for religious organizations that already exists under Utah law.

The committee voted 4 to 3 to advance the bill to the full Senate for consideration. Primary sponsor Senator Stephen Urquhart, a Republican representing St. George, shepherded the bi-partisan effort through committee. This is the first year legislation to prohibit discrimination against LGBT people has progressed in the Utah legislature.